Imagine this: Your top salesperson is about to close a major deal on a video call, but the screen freezes. The finance team is processing payroll, but the system lags. Meanwhile, your IT guy gets a flood of complaints—“Why is the VPN so slow?”
For many businesses, VPNs are the go-to solution for secure remote access. But just like a security checkpoint at the airport, they can either ensure smooth travel or cause frustrating delays. While essential for protecting company data, VPNs can also become a bottleneck, reducing efficiency and creating more headaches than security.
Let’s break down when VPNs help, when they hurt, and how businesses can strike the right balance.
1. Security vs. Speed: Finding the Right Balance
The problem: VPNs encrypt data to keep hackers out, but encryption takes processing power, which can slow connections. If your team constantly deals with lag, file uploads that take forever, or video calls that stutter, your VPN might be the culprit.
The fix: Not all work requires a VPN. If employees are using cloud-based tools like Google Drive or Microsoft 365, a direct secure connection might be faster and just as safe.
2. Remote Access Done Right
The problem: Some companies route all internet traffic through a VPN, even for non-sensitive tasks. This overloads the network and makes everything slower.
The fix: Split tunneling allows only work-related traffic to go through the VPN while letting other tasks (like checking emails or using cloud apps) connect directly. This keeps security intact while preventing unnecessary slowdowns.
3. The Scalability Issue
The problem: VPNs were originally designed for occasional remote access, not an entire workforce working from home. As more employees connect, the VPN server struggles, causing crashes and delays.
The fix: If remote work is permanent for your business, Cloud VPNs or Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) might be better. They provide secure access without forcing all traffic through one bottleneck.
4. Compliance and Data Protection
The problem: Industries like finance, legal, and healthcare must follow strict data protection regulations. A poorly configured VPN can expose your business to compliance risks if employees aren’t using it correctly.
The fix: Regular audits and employee training help ensure VPNs are used properly. Additionally, businesses should consider multi-factor authentication (MFA) and endpoint security to strengthen access control beyond just the VPN.
5. Cost vs. Efficiency: Is It Worth It?
The problem: Businesses invest in VPNs assuming they’re the best security measure, but they may be paying for slowdowns and inefficiencies without realizing it.
The fix: A hybrid approach often works best. Use a VPN where necessary (for internal servers and confidential data), but allow direct secure access to cloud services to keep work flowing smoothly. Investing in the right infrastructure—like dedicated VPN servers or cloud-based solutions—can balance security and performance.